25 Things You Didn't Know about J. Cole

First artist signed to Jay Z's Roc Nation label (Waited outside his office multiple times in hopes of doing a demo for Jay - Got a phone call a few weeks later).
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He was first featured in Jay Z's track "A Star Is Born" on "The Blueprint 3" album.
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Attended St. John's University on an academic scholarship, graduated Magna Cum Laude as a communications major.
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Born in Frankfurt, Germany on a military base, raised in North Carolina.
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Started rapping at age 12 (inspired by seeing his cousin rap).
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Worked with a rap group called Bomm Sheltuh in North Carolina at the age of 15.
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His first stage names were "Blaza" and "Therapist."
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Worked at a skating rink, on certain occasions would dress up as a kangaroo.
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Started rapping at age 12, Starting producing at age 15 on an ASR-X, a Christmas present from his mother.
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Played for the Terry Sanford Orchestra (NC) as a first chair violinist.
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Coached an adolescent basketball team in Queens (his first job in NY).
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Worked in the ad/sales department for a newspaper in NYC and never sold an ad.
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Had a landlord that let him "slide" on his rent multiple times- eventually he paid it back with a little extra, still keeps in touch with him from time to time.
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Was a bill collector for a little, but was too compassionate to stick with it.
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Favorite food: Mac n' cheese.
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Listens to Eric Clapton.
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Spoke to Harvard students this past February about the importance of college education, being a famous rapper, as well as his connection with basketball.
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Has Obsessive Compulsive Disorder.
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His first album hit #1 on the Billboard 200 albums chart in September 2011.
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His go to drink: Hennesy and Coke. Also enjoys Mai Tais from the Cheesecake factory.
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His full name: Jermaine Lamarr Cole.
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The only food he makes himself: Cereal and PB&J.
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While growing up, he was inspired by Royce, Eminem, Canibus and of course, Jay-Z.
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Zodiac sign: Gemini.
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Free-styled at a Denny's in Illinois with Wale while waiting for food.
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<p><span style="font-size: 9px;">Photo: <a style="font-size: 9px;" href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Gct5BV0u1mA">Youtube</a></span>